Best Online Doctorate in Social Work Programs of 2026
An online DSW program can help you land a leadership or teaching position without sacrificing your career.
At Bestcolleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, "What information is vital to students right now?" Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
2026If you’ve got years of social work experience under your belt and want to become a leader in the field, a doctor of social work (DSW) degree might be right for you.
DSW programs are picking up steam nationally. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) concluded its accreditation pilot of DSW programs in 2025, accrediting four doctoral programs, and more could soon be evaluated for their quality and value for students.
A DSW requires both time and money, and it isn’t required to for a successful career in social work. But if you want to pursue a terminal degree focused on applied research and leadership, a DSW can help you take that leap.
Top Online DSW Programs
How We Rank Schools
The University of Alabama — Most Affordable Online DSW
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This program charges the lowest tuition on our list and is more than $10,000 cheaper than the next most affordable choice.
The University of Alabama's online doctor of social work (DSW) program stands out as the most affordable option on our list, costing just $480 per credit hour, or about $21,600 in total. That’s more than $10,000 less than the University of Kentucky, our second-most affordable pick.
In addition to low tuition, Alabama offers more than 30 scholarships specifically for online students. These awards are largely merit-based and available to both full- and part-time students, with several tailored to veterans, students with financial need, and those in specialized graduate or undergraduate programs.
What We Like About UA Online
- Choose from concentrations in advanced clinical practice and organizational leadership, depending on your goals.
- UA online is a Yellow Ribbon school that covers tuition for active-duty military and veterans after the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
- Online DSW students can participate in the DC Fly-In to gain experience in policy research and advocacy at the nation's capital.
What We Don't Like
- This DSW is "primarily online" and requires an on-campus orientation at the start of your program and a 4-5 day residency each summer.
- You can only receive one online scholarship per academic year unless it's a renewable scholarship.
- You must have at least three years of post-master's experience to apply.
43%
$11,100
90%
$32,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 40,846
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Most Reputable Online DSW
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This is one of four CSWE-accredited programs in the country, and the only one on our list.
UT is our most reputable online DSW as it is only one of four doctoral programs — and the only one on our list — to be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is the only accreditor for social work education in the country and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The organization only started accepting doctoral accreditation applications on August 1, 2025. While you can expect to see more accredited DSW programs in the future, UT Knoxville was one of the first to receive accreditation.
The program is also built on the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics and emphasizes self-care, cultural competence, and commitment to social work values.
What We Like About UT
- First-generation doctoral students can participate in the First Gen Doctoral Program, which offers mentorship, workshops and exclusive events, and doctoral and career preparation.
- UT offers an out-of-state tuition waiver for military service members, a Veterans Success Center, and a dedicated Veterans Benefits Administration.
- The university offers one fellowship and one fund for DSW students, as well as another endowed fellowship for students working in clinical mental health settings in Tennessee.
What We Don't Like
- UT's DSW is full time only, which doesn't offer as much flexibility for working adults as other programs on our list.
- UT requires a five-day residency during the summer to attend workshops, a symposium, and networking events.
- UT's DSW program doesn't offer specializations, unlike other programs on our list that do.
53%
$11,468
92%
$29,656
- Acceptance Rate
- 42%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,728
- Institution Type
- Public
University at Buffalo — Best Online DSW for Building a Professional Network
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Students are required to build a Professional Collaboration Network to share knowledge and community.
The University of Buffalo's online DSW program requires students to network with the global social work community through a Professional Collaboration Network (PCN). A PCN is a valuable networking method for social work professionals that utilizes online platforms to connect colleagues and leaders in the field. UB encourages students to connect with academics, journalists, and peers to build a virtual community.
The University at Buffalo's online DSW program emphasizes the importance of a PCN by requiring every student to take the "Digital Technology and Professional Collaboration Networks for Social Work Practice" class to immediately start building their network.
What We Like About UB
- UB's DSW program is one of two on our list that are 100% online with no on-campus visits required.
- UB's DSW program is pursuing CSWE accreditation, so it could soon become one of only a handful of accredited doctor of social work programs in the country.
- Don't worry about taking the GRE. UB doesn't require it, nor any standardized tests to apply.
What We Don't Like
- UB is not a Yellow Ribbon-designated school, so it doesn't offer military personnel or veterans additional benefits beyond the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap.
- Out-of-state tuition is $1,291.16 per credit or $50,355 in total, making UB's DSW the most expensive program on our list.
- Like UT, UB offers no concentration options for its online DSW.
41%
$11,310
85%
$24,260
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,903
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Kentucky — Most Customizable Online DSW
- Lexington, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: With five concentration options — the most on our list — UK's DSW can be tailored to your interests.
University of Kentucky's online DSW offers the most concentrations on our list with the University of Alabama following behind. The three unique concentrations available at UK but not at other schools on our list include military behavioral health, social work education, and sports social work.
Each concentration includes three courses. The sports social work concentration combines neuroscience, advocacy, and theory to promote healthy physical and mental development and community through athletics. The military behavioral health concentration focuses on providing culturally sensitive mental health services to military members and their families.
What We Like About UK Online
- With common concentrations like administrative leadership and clinical social work, along with more unique options, this DSW program has something for everyone.
- UK is our list's second-most affordable school at just $790 per credit for in- and out-of-state students, or about $33,180 total.
- Courses are fully asynchronous except for a virtual residency week, and even that requirement has an asynchronous option.
What We Don't Like
- UK is not a Yellow Ribbon school, so veterans and active military students don't get additional benefits beyond the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap.
- You'll need to submit a 4-5 page personal statement that answers three prompts about your interests and stage of life.
48%
$12,967
87%
$34,096
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,710
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Louisville — Best Military-Friendly Online DSW
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Tuition assistance, a massive discount, and support services make this program excellent for active-duty students.
UofL's online DSW stands out for its exceptional military support and tuition discount. Active-duty military members pay $250 per credit — down from the typical $850 — making it the most affordable choice on our list for active-duty military members. Students who qualify pay just $11,000 for the whole program, less than half the price of our most affordable option for the general population. Military-affiliated students can apply to the program for free, and all active-duty personnel receive priority registration for classes.
UofL is also a flexible option for active military members, allowing them to pause their program during deployment without penalty. Visit the Center for Military-Connected Students for support and to see how your military experience and leadership training can turn into college credit.
What We Like About UofL Online
- Take a practicum in leadership during your fall semester of your second year and a teaching practicum the next semester to apply your education to the real world.
- If you like intimate class sizes, UofL has the smallest cohort on our list (about 20 students), whereas others are around 25.
- UofL is one of two schools on our list that doesn't require a residency.
What We Don't Like
- UofL is a Yellow Ribbon-designated school, but only pays remaining tuition after Post-9/11 GI bill benefits for five graduate students. We think the program's hyper affordable rate makes up for this con.
- Courses are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous, with every course requiring at least two synchronous meetings during the semester.
59%
$14,222
82%
$28,906
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,065
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like concentration options, affordability, and accreditation. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Doctorate in Social Work
- Learn leadership skills: DSW programs focus on leading in the field of social work and often include instruction in management.
- Conduct research in the field: A DSW emphasizes applying research and theories to the field.
- Break into teaching and administration: A terminal degree can prepare you to become a professor or lead an organization.
- Network with fellow students: DSW programs tend to be cohort-based, meaning you’ll have a chance to work with other students.
Benefits of Getting a Doctorate in Social Work Online
- Out of more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed for the BestColleges Annual Online Trends Report, 100% say they would recommend online education to others.
- 85% of those students said an online learning environment was equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Online DSW programs focus on flexibility for working professionals.
- Some programs include asynchronous formats, allowing you to work toward your degree around your schedule.
How to Choose the Best DSW Program for You
A DSW degree is a major commitment in terms of time and money. Make sure you select a reputable program that’s right for you.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) concluded a pilot accreditation program for doctoral degrees, and currently accredits just four programs across the country.
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Social Work Cost?
Online Doctoral Degrees, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,491
Avg. Net Price
$11,373
Source: NCES PowerStats
The average tuition and fees for a social work doctoral degree was $15,738 per year as of 2019-2020, according to the NCES. On average, a DSW takes three years to complete, which means a typical program might cost upwards of $47,000 total.
Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help you land federal loans during your terminal degree program.
Find Financial Aid for Your Social Work Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Social Work?
Typical # of Credits
42 Credits
Typical Program Length
3 Years
A doctor of social work (DSW) program typically comprises three years, or around 40 credits, but that figure can vary significantly based on program format. Self-paced programs might allow you to work toward your degree faster, but might also take longer depending on your work and personal schedule.
Some online DSW programs also come in an accelerated format. Simmons University, for instance, offers a DSW that can be completed in less than two years.
Social Work Degree Application Requirements
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts- Letters of recommendation or professional references
- Resume
- Personal statement or essay
- Some programs require proof of social work licensure
Accreditation for Social Work Programs
Attending a DSW program from an accredited university is a way to ensure you’re being taught relevant skills. The CSWE, the main programmatic accreditor for social work programs, wrapped up an accreditation pilot program for DSW programs in 2025.
With just four accredited programs so far, the CSWE notes that “it will be quite some time before accreditation of these programs is the norm.”
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Social Work?
Adding a DSW on top of your work experience can open up doors outside of traditional social work.
You could land a leadership role as a social or community services manager, an occupation that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says will grow faster than average over the next decade. You could also opt to take a teaching route and become a college professor, another career path set to grow rapidly.
If you’re still weighing how to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), keep in mind that you don’t need a DSW to work in the field. A master of social work (MSW) is usually built to help you get clinical hours required for licensure.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | Works with people in areas like mental health and substance use |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $63,780 | Diagnoses and treats mental and emotional disorders and helps couples and families address them |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | Teaches in a college setting, including as an adjunct or faculty member |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 | Leads organizations that provide public support programs |
Is a Doctorate in Social Work Worth It?
If you want to become a college professor, researcher, or administrator within the social work field, a DSW can help boost your resume and set you on that path.
It’s important to note that you don’t need a DSW to become a social worker. A master of social work is usually enough to help you earn licensure and kick off your career in the field, whether you work in a clinical setting or elsewhere.
Most DSW programs are geared toward professionals with at least a few years of experience in social work. If you’re new to social work, it’s probably better to get some experience in the field and pursue a doctorate when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work
Yes, clinical social workers can act as therapists. Licensed clinical social workers, or LCSWs, are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.
Explore More College Resources
Can You Live Comfortably as a Social Worker?
Social work has a reputation for being low paying. But in most states, a career in the field pays enough to get by.
Updated August 11, 2023
Becoming a Mental Health Social Worker
Learn how to become a mental health social worker. Our guide covers their responsibilities, salaries and job opportunities.
Updated June 20, 2024
Other Social Work Resources
Social Work
programs
careers